Justice News

Two Milwaukee Men Charged in Federal Court with Attempting to Provide Material Support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization / ISIS

United Sates Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad announced today that JASON MICHAEL LUDKE (age: 35) of Milwaukee, has been charged in a criminal complaint with attempting to provide material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization, ISIL, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2339B(a)(1). YOSVANY PADILLA-CONDE (age: 30), also of Milwaukee, was charged in the same complaint with aiding and abetting LUDKE's attempt to provide material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization, ISIL, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2339B(a)(1) and 2. If convicted of these offenses both men face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00.

LUDKE and PADYLLA-CONDE were arrested by the FBI and local law enforcement near San Angelo, Texas. It is alleged in the complaint that the two were traveling from Wisconsin to Mexico where they intended to acquire aid and documents necessary to travel to Syria and/or Iraq.

United States Attorney Haanstad said the United States is committed to identifying and arresting persons intent on providing material support of any kind to foreign terrorist organizations. Those organizations pose a threat to United States' interests abroad, including threats to our military personnel, and pose a threat to the homeland upon the possible return of terrorist supporters to the United States. Haanstad commended the work of the FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, Justin Tolomeo stated “Terrorism remains the FBI’s top priority in keeping Americans safe. The arrest of these two individuals from Wisconsin, underscores how the real threat of terrorism can occur anywhere, at anytime. I would like to commend the efforts of the JTTF which includes a wide range of our law enforcement partners who work tirelessly for the safety of our citizens. We encourage all citizens to remain vigilant in reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Joint Terrorism Task Force. The case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul L. Kanter.

A copy of the criminal complaint is attached. The public is reminded that the complaint contains only allegations of criminal conduct, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.